Conventionally, a car brake is designed to serve one purpose, which is to stop cars. It consists of multiple parts, making its working kind of complex even though the actuation is just by pressing a foot pedal. The system holds a greater potential in energy efficiency, which has brought about regenerative braking.
However, the term is not a new invention, as it’s common in hybrid and electric cars to control and recapture lost energy. The work is quite simple; continue reading to get full details. Well, in this reading, we’ll explore friction braking and regenerative braking. We’ll also be looking at the difference between the conventional braking system and the regenerative braking.
Let’s begin!
Learn about Braking System with this detailed guide!
Conventional Braking System
The conventional braking system includes hydraulic, air, and mechanical brakes, which are also known as frictional brakes. This is because the brake is actuated through the rubbing of two surfaces.
The device is designed to restrain motion by absorbing energy from a moving system, usually using friction. In most automotive devices slowing or stopping is achieved by hydraulic fluid. It’s bled to get the best performance of the braking. Hydraulic braking has been extensively explained in another article.
The hydraulic brake circuit contains a master cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid. This master cylinder is connected to a separate slave cylinder. The brake pedal is attached to the master cylinder, which causes the piston to be depressed in the master cylinder.
This forces the fluid through the connected pipes to reach the slave cylinders at each wheel, which in turn forces the piston to actuate the brakes.
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Regenerative Braking System
The regenerative braking system, known as electromagnetic braking, is used on hybrid and electric cars. Just as earlier mentioned, it recaptures lost energy. Well, working is quite simple and easy to understand.
The energy lost in the braking is collected and converted into electric energy for the large, high-capacity battery. The difference between conventional and regenerative (electromagnetic) braking is the creation of energy.
In our previous article, I explained how the conventional disc and drum braking system slows and stops cars using friction. Well, the extra benefit regenerative brakes offer makes manufacturers employ them in hybrid and electric vehicles. since it added the benefit of recharging electric batteries.
Vehicles designed with regenerative brakes are actuated by driving the motor in reverse. This is achieved as the brake pedal is pressed and the vehicle’s electric motor is automatically placed into reverse mode.
It causes the vehicle to run backward. With this principle, the car wheels do not only slow the wheel but also generate electricity for the car. This is caused by the reverse motion that takes place as the brake is pressed.
Vehicles that use regenerative braking also have friction brakes to support the regenerative braking when it loses power or not supplying enough power to stop the vehicle. The electronic circuitry and onboard computer of the car determine when the conventional frictional braking system will be used.
At the same time, it is to handle the engagement of the reverse motion. There will be a slight reduction in the car’s momentum, which is determined by the force the driver exerts on the pedal. This will cause the vehicle’s electronics to engage the regenerative brakes and make the motor reverse.
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Diagram of Friction Braking and Regenerative Braking
Difference Between Friction and Regenerative Braking
The conventional braking system comes to work when the vehicle needs a quick stop to avoid a collision. The brake will be engaged. The regenerative braking is controlled by a brake controller; it’s an electronic device that determines when the braking starts and ends using a remote control.
It also determines the speed of the application, similar to the ABS controller that monitors the rotational speed of the wheels about one another. This brake control system can calculate how much torque is available to generate electricity and also monitor the wheel speed.
The brake controller sends the electricity obtained to the capacitor during braking, which ensures the optimal amount of electricity is delivered. This also prevents overloading in the batteries or capacitors.
Finally, the brake controller chooses the braking system to be used, either the conventional frictional brake that serves as a backup or the regenerative braking. If the required braking force is too high for the regenerative brakes, the brake controller activates the friction brake to achieve a quick brake. This helps to avoid possible accidents.
The difference between friction and regenerative braking systems is their manner of braking. The regenerative brakes are suitable for working at specific speeds, mostly in stop-and-go situations. The energy lost because of heat through friction is about 80%. The regenerative braking system can recapture half of the energy lost and decrease fuel consumption by 10 to 25%.
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In conclusion, the difference between conventional friction braking and regenerative braking systems is quite obvious. The regenerative braking system obtains extra energy to power the vehicle battery, but it gradually slows down the car.
Whereas the conventional friction braking system uses hydraulic fluid or a mechanical process to apply the brake. A good frictional brake catches as soon as the control pedal is pressed. The table below shows the difference between the two:
| Aspect | Friction Braking | Regenerative Braking |
|---|---|---|
| How it Works | Uses brake pads to create friction with a rotor or drum to slow the vehicle | Converts kinetic energy into electrical energy using the electric motor |
| Energy Outcome | Dissipates kinetic energy as heat | Recovers and stores energy in the battery |
| Efficiency | Less efficient—energy is lost as heat | More efficient—reuses energy to extend battery range |
| Maintenance | Wears out brake pads and rotors over time | Reduces wear on traditional brake components |
| Application | Used in all vehicles | Primarily used in hybrid and electric vehicles |
| Effectiveness at Low Speeds | Consistently effective at all speeds | Less effective at very low speeds—often paired with friction brakes |
Conclusion
Friction and regenerative braking serve the same purpose—slowing down a vehicle—but they do so in fundamentally different ways. Friction braking relies on physical resistance, producing heat and wear, while regenerative braking uses an electric motor to convert motion into energy, boosting efficiency and battery life. In many hybrid and electric vehicles, the two systems work together for optimal performance and energy recovery.
Understanding both helps drivers appreciate how modern braking systems improve not just safety but also fuel economy and sustainability.
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FAQs
Can regenerative braking stop a car completely?
Not always. Regenerative braking is often not strong enough to bring the car to a complete stop, especially at low speeds. That’s why friction brakes are usually still used alongside it.
Do all electric vehicles use regenerative braking?
Yes, most electric and hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking as part of their design to improve energy efficiency and battery life.
Does regenerative braking extend brake life?
Yes. Since it reduces reliance on traditional brake pads and rotors, it can significantly extend the life of those components.
Is regenerative braking available in gasoline-only cars?
No. Regenerative braking requires an electric motor and battery system, which are not present in gasoline-only vehicles.
Which is better—friction or regenerative braking?
It depends. Regenerative braking is more efficient and sustainable, but it can’t fully replace friction braking. Both systems are best when used together for safety and performance.